Apparatus for carrying heart related medication

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for holding one of aspirin, nitroglycerine or other emergency medication for a person who may be at risk for a heart attack. The apparatus comprises a key shaped member having a predetermined length. Such key shaped member has an aperture disposed through a first end of the key shaped member for engagement with a key ring. There is a pill holder for carrying such one of aspirin, nitroglycerine and other emergency medication and having a predetermined shape and a predetermined size, such pill holder is engageable with a second end of the key shaped member. A lid member is engageable with such pill holder for firmly holding such one of aspirin, nitroglycerine and other emergency medication disposed in the pill holder and a snap lock mechanism is used to secure the lid member to the pill holder.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to a medication holder, and, more particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for holding aspirin, in a holder that is attached to a key ring.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Medical experts are encouraging the public to carry aspirin for first aid in the event of a heart attack. According to the American Heart Association, every year one and a half million Americans suffer a heart attack. Studies have shown that taking an aspirin within four hours can reduce the risk of fatality, as well as minimizing damage to the heart. Heart attacks can happen anywhere and at any time. Often the victim has no immediate access to aspirin in the event of a suspected heart attack, whether the sufferer is outdoors, in a car, in the mall or even in his/her own home. Having aspirin available can save a person's life.

However, as when taking any medication, the user should consult with his/her physician to make sure that it is permissible to take aspirin during a suspected heart attack. Generally, if a person has any heart problems at all the answer will be an emphatic yes and not only permissible but encouraged to do so.

Thus, it would be advantageous if there were a product which could hold such aspirin and which would be convenient and unobtrusive for to user to carry with him/her at all times.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus for holding aspirin. It may also be used for nitroglycerine or other emergency medication for a person who may be at risk for a heart attack. The apparatus comprises a key shaped member having a predetermined length. Such key shaped member has an aperture disposed through a first end of the key shaped member for engagement with a key ring. There is a pill holder for carrying such one of aspirin, nitroglycerine and other emergency medication and having a predetermined shape and a predetermined size, such pill holder is engageable with a second end of the key shaped member. A lid member is engageable with such pill holder for firmly holding such one of aspirin, nitroglycerine and other emergency medication disposed in the pill holder and a snap mechanism to secure the lid to such pill holder when snapped shut.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a convenient storage area for emergency medication such as aspirin and nitroglycerine.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a convenient storage area for such emergency medication that is in the shape of a key.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a convenient storage area for emergency medication that can be carried on a key ring.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a convenient storage area for emergency medication that is easily accessible.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a medicine holder that can be added to an existing key chain without having to change the key chain presently in use.

These and various other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent after a full reading of the following detailed description, particularly, when read in conjunction with the attached drawings as described below and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention showing the container in a closed position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 showing the container in an open position with emergency medication disposed therein.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 showing the apparatus attached to an existing key ring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding with the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity, identical components which have identical functions have been designated by identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawings.

The present invention provides an apparatus, generally designated 10, for holding one of aspirin, nitroglycerine or other emergency medication for a person who may be at risk for a heart attack. The apparatus 10 comprises a key shaped member 2 having a predetermined length. Such key shaped member 2 has an aperture 4 disposed through a first end 3 of the key shaped member for engagement with a key ring 6. There is a pill holder 8 for carrying such one of aspirin, nitroglycerine and other emergency medication and having a predetermined shape and a predetermined size, such pill holder 8 is engageable with a second end 5 of the key shaped member 2. A lid member 12 is engageable with such pill holder 8 for firmly holding such one of aspirin, nitroglycerine and other emergency medication disposed in the pill holder 8 and a snap lock mechanism 14 is used to secure the lid member 12 to the pill holder 8.

The first end 3 of such key shaped member 2 is substantially an oval and would be similar in both size and shape to and end of a standard key. The pill holder 8 has a generally rectangular shape and such generally rectangular shape is substantially square. Such pill holder 8 is sufficiently large enough to store at least one of a regular strength aspirin (325 mg.) or four baby aspirins (81 mg.) and/or four nitroglycerine pills. The nitroglycerine pills are so small that they could probably be present with either the regular aspirin or the four baby aspirin.

The entire length of the apparatus 10 including the key shaped member 2 and the pill holder 8 would be between about 1¾ and about 2¼ inches. Thus, the apparatus would be essentially the same size as a standard key and only slightly smaller than most ignition keys that are generally found for cars today.

The apparatus 10 is attachable to a key ring 6 of the user's key chain so that such aspirin will always be available. It is also within the concept of the invention that such apparatus 10 could be the key chain as many key chains have a decorative portion on the chain and, thus, have other keys attached to the key 6 of the apparatus 10. As stated previously most individuals always carry a key chain with them and the present invention would fit on the key chain just like any other key. Most people are loathe to carry a second key chain but are agreeable to adding something to the key chain they are presently using.

Such apparatus 10 is made of one of plastic or metal. It is presently preferred that such key shaped member 2 be made of plastic. Also the first end 3 of the apparatus 10 has been described as being an oval; however, it is within the scope of the invention that such first end 3 be in the shape of a rectangle, an octagon, a hexagon or other similar shapes.

While a presently preferred embodiment and alternate embodiments of the present invention has been described in detail above, it should be understood that various other adaptations and/or modifications of the invention can be made by those persons who are particularly skilled in the art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims. 

1. An apparatus for holding one of aspirin, nitroglycerine and other emergency medication for a person who may be at risk for a heart attack, said apparatus comprising: (a) a key shaped member having a predetermined length; (b) an aperture disposed through a first end of said key shaped member for engagement with a key ring; (c) a pill holder for carrying such one of aspirin, nitroglycerine and other emergency medication and having a predetermined shape and a predetermined size, said pill holder engageable with a second end of said key shaped member; (d) a lid member hingedly engageable with said pill holder for firmly holding such one of aspirin, nitroglycerine and other emergency medication disposed in said pill holder; (e) a snap mechanism for securing said lid to said pill holder.
 2. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said first end of said key shaped member has a predetermined shape.
 3. The apparatus, according to claim 2, wherein said predetermined shape of said first end is one of oval, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal and pentagonal.
 4. The apparatus, according to claim 3, wherein said predetermined shape of said first end is substantially an oval.
 5. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said pill holder has a generally rectangular shape.
 6. The apparatus, according to claim 5, wherein said generally rectangular shape of said pill holder is substantially square.
 7. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said pill holder is sufficiently large enough to store at least one of a regular strength aspirin, four baby aspirins and four nitroglycerine pills.
 8. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined length of said apparatus is between about 1¾ and about 2¼ inches.
 9. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said pill holder has a predetermined size.
 10. The apparatus, according to claim 9, wherein said predetermined size of said pill holder is between about ½ inches and about ¾ inches.
 11. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is attachable to a user's key chain so that such aspirin will always be available.
 12. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus further includes a key ring engageable with said aperture on said key shaped member.
 13. The apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein said apparatus is one of being attached to a key ring and being such key ring and having other keys attached to such key ring.
 14. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is made of one of plastic and metal.
 15. The apparatus, according to claim 14, wherein said apparatus is plastic.
 16. The apparatus, according to claim 15, wherein said plastic is colored. 